We have achieved a total synthesis of xyolide, a bioactive nonenolide, by following a carbohydrate-based approach starting from d-(–)-ribose. The key reactions involved epoxide opening with a long-chain aliphatic Grignard reagent, Yamaguchi esterification, and a ring-closing-metathesis reaction. The longest linear sequence was nine steps and the overall yield was 30%.
Key words
lactones - total synthesis - Grignard reactions - esterification - ring closure - metathesis